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Acceptance Begins with Understanding

Better understanding of disability leads to greater acceptance, stronger support, and better accommodations for disabled people. Join us in learning and taking action.

Why Understanding Matters 

Misunderstanding disability often happens because people don't have enough information or experience with disability or have incorrect ideas about it. Inaccessible public spaces, like buildings without ramps for wheelchair users, make it difficult for people with disabilities to participate in everyday activities, leading to the perception that they are different or less capable.  

Additionally, the lack of consistent and authentic representation of people with disabilities in media, such as TV shows, movies, and books, means that people don't get to experience real and diverse stories. This absence of experience and real information contributes to misinformation and stigma, where negative attitudes and unfair treatment towards people with disabilities persist.  

Dom sitting in their wheelchair outside

When representation of disabled bodies and characters is done authentically and respectfully, disabled people are treated better in society. That's just a fact.

— Dom Evans

When public spaces aren't designed for everyone, and the media fails to show true stories, these wrong ideas and unfair treatment continue.  

Misinformation can lead to discrimination in all areas of life, including education and employment. For example, when there’s an assumption that a disabled person can’t perform at the same level as someone who is not disabled, there are less employment opportunities available for people with disabilities. 

Understanding Developmental Disability

Developmental disabilities are physical, intellectual, and cognitive disabilities that begin during a child’s early developmental stage and usually last a lifetime. Common developmental disabilities are Autism, Down syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.  

Developmental disabilities can impact a person's growth, learning, and daily living needs. With the right support, including access to direct support professionals, people with developmental disabilities can thrive. Given the wide range of developmental disabilities, it is important to recognize that no single definition can encompass all experiences. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid making assumptions and to understand each person with a disability as a unique individual.  

A young child with Down syndrome smiles

Early Support Matters

The Make The First Five Count screening tool helps parents identify potential developmental delays in young children. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Understanding Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects communication, social interactions, and sensory processing. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning each Autistic person may experience their own set of Autistic traits and need varying levels of support and services.  

In our "Understanding Autistic Traits" video series, Autistic self-advocates and Easterseals experts share their experiences with common Autistic traits. 

 

Check Out the Full Series

 

Explore Blogs From Autistic Writers

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health is a critical part of overall well-being, yet stigma prevents many from seeking help.  

These blogs feature firsthand stories of navigating mental health and disability. 

Understanding your mental health begins here

Know Your Mental Health Needs

Easterseals offers a free, accessible mental health screening tool to help individuals take the first step toward support.

Engage and Take Action

Understanding is just the first step—true acceptance of disability includes action and continually educating oneself. Here’s how you can help. 

Share These Resources: Help spread awareness by sharing this page and our resources on social media and engage in conversation using #AcceptanceBeginsWithUnderstanding

Learn From Authentic Conversations: Our "Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong" podcast features honest discussions about mental health and disability.

Listen Now

 

Support Easterseals: Your support helps us continue advocating for disability support and services and providing life-changing services.  

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